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mattroach748
stranger


Reged: 14/03/2008
Posts: 8
Preload and Spring Weight
      #29132 - 10/07/2008 16:43

Hi guys, I'm a relative newcomer to setting up my suspension.
My sticking point is understanding Static(bike only) Sag vs. Bike+Rider values.
I know how they are different but I don't quite understand which is more 'relevant' to the end result(better handling)
With my OE set up, I can get the figures to be in the ball park of one but never quite right for the other based on "suggested figures".
I've had better results getting my 'rider' figure in the ball park rather than just relying on the static figure. By my reading, a lot of guys seem to look to the static figure as the reference point for set-up. Have I missed the point somewhere along the way?

Secondly, I've got my front rider sag set at 32mm with the preload wound all off. I've taken 20ml of oil out the forks as well and I'm only using 72mm of fork travel under race conditions breaking from the top of 6th down to 3rd/4th gear corner.

Im running 06 GSXR forks and shock in my 03 SV650 track bike.

What am I missing?


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FastBikerBoy
old hand


Reged: 08/11/2006
Posts: 1124
Loc: Norfolk surrounded by Yanks
Re: Preload and Spring Weight [Re: mattroach748]
      #29134 - 10/07/2008 17:21

I'm no expert but recently set my suspension up which is now much better. I used this as a guide http://www.racetech.com/articles/SuspensionAndSprings.htm
and it works for me. Also was the only guide that mentioned the linkage drag, I was wondering why I kept getting different figures even when I hadn't changed anything and the above link explained it all as well as how to allow for it.

The rider sag is probably more relevant than the static sag as you are on the bike when you're riding it obviously. As I understand it if you can't get a balance between static and rider sag then you need to look at different spring rates.

I also found many different figures for 'recommended' sag but I eventually went with 1/3 of total travel front & back. I put the rebound and compression damping back to standard but then tweaked the front to suit. I was basically aiming for no noticeable feeling as I came off the brakes. ie I could brake as hard as possible without bottoming out but then as I let the brakes off I didn't want to feel the rebound at all. That's what I've got now and found that I was starting to trail the brakes into corners with confidence at my last track day.

I did a lot of research before I started fucking about with mine and reached the conclusion that there are no 'magic' settings for all, what suits me may not suit you and vice versa. A bit at a time and see how it feels is the best advice, don't go changing lots of things at once and then you can see if you're going in the right direction.

I'm sure you'll get better advice from others on here though, I just know what I know from messing with mine, I'm no expert.

--------------------
Cheers

FBB


Remember kids don't try this at home


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mattroach748
stranger


Reged: 14/03/2008
Posts: 8
Re: Preload and Spring Weight [Re: FastBikerBoy]
      #29137 - 10/07/2008 17:54

Thanks for your points, they do seem valid.

Ive been devouring Bob's suspension tips eash month and have learnt heaps from it. Most importantly I've learnt to focus on one thing at a time and write it all down!

So far I haven't experienced much (1-2mm) variation measurement to measurement unless I have changed preload in any way.So I guess thats a pretty good thing.

I am reasonably happy with the shocks performance but the forks I think have too heavy springs in them.

Bike and rider weight on the front is 120kg, rear 140kg
my rider sag is 31mm with preload wound all off(max travel is 125mm) and Im only using 72mm travel. I cant hink of anything else its likely to be at this stage.

Does anyone know the weight of the OE 06 GSXR fork springs?


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